Slotted contact lens packages and methods of handling

Abstract

The present invention relates to improved contact lens packages and methods of use. A contact lens package ( 100 ) may include a base ( 110 ) and a lid ( 140 ) connected to the base. The base may include a base cavity ( 124 ) that houses a contact lens ( 150 ) and packaging solution, and a slot ( 130 ) extending through the base from an internal surface ( 132 ) to an external surface ( 134 ) of the base and in communication with the base cavity. The lid may extend over the external surface of the base and cover the slot when the package is in an unopened state, and the lid may not cover the slot when the package is in an opened state, such that the contact lens is accessible to a user through the slot when the package is in the opened state.

1 . A contact lens package comprising:
 a base comprising:
 a base cavity that houses a contact lens and packaging solution; and 
 a slot extending through the base from an internal surface to an external surface of the base and in communication with the base cavity; and 
   a lid connected to the base, wherein the lid extends over the external surface of the base and covers the slot when the package is in an unopened state.   
     
     
         2 . The contact lens package of  claim 1 , wherein the lid does not cover the slot when the package is in an opened state, such that the contact lens is accessible to a user through the slot when the package is in the opened state. 
     
     
         3 . The contact lens package of  claim 1 , wherein the base cavity houses the contact lens such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the slot. 
     
     
         4 . The contact lens package of  claim 1 , wherein the base comprises a bowl that forms at least a portion of the base cavity, and wherein the slot extends through the bowl from the internal surface to the external surface of the base. 
     
     
         5 . The contact lens package of  claim 1 , wherein the base comprises a bowl that forms at least a portion of the base cavity, and wherein the slot extends from an end of the base and terminates at an intermediate region of the bowl. 
     
     
         6 . The contact lens package of  claim 1 , wherein the slot extends from an end of the base and terminates at an intermediate region of the base. 
     
     
         7 . The contact lens package of  claim 1 , wherein the lid extends over the end of the base when the package is in the unopened state, and wherein the lid does not extend over the end of the base when the package is in an opened state. 
     
     
         8 . The contact lens package of  claim 1 , wherein the end of the base is open and configured to allow the contact lens to pass therethrough when the package is in an opened state. 
     
     
         9 . The contact lens package of  claim 1 , wherein the internal surface is a concave surface, and wherein the external surface is a convex surface. 
     
     
         10 . The contact lens package of  claim 1 , wherein the base is substantially rigid, and wherein the lid is flexible. 
     
     
         11 . A contact lens package comprising:
 a base comprising:
 a base cavity that houses a contact lens and packaging solution; and 
 a slot extending through the base from an internal surface to an external surface of the base and in communication with the base cavity, wherein the base cavity houses the contact lens such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the slot; and 
   a lid connected to the base.   
     
     
         12 . The contact lens package of  claim 11 , wherein the lid extends over the external surface of the base and covers the slot when the package is in an unopened state. 
     
     
         13 . The contact lens package of  claim 11 , wherein the lid does not cover the slot when the package is in an opened state, such that the contact lens is accessible to a user through the slot when the package is in the opened state. 
     
     
         14 . The contact lens package of  claim 11 , wherein the base comprises a bowl that forms at least a portion of the base cavity, and wherein the slot extends through the bowl from the internal surface to the external surface of the base. 
     
     
         15 . The contact lens package of  claim 11 , wherein the base comprises a bowl that forms at least a portion of the base cavity, and wherein the slot extends from an end of the base and terminates at an intermediate region of the bowl. 
     
     
         16 . The contact lens package of  claim 11 , wherein the slot extends from an end of the base and terminates at an intermediate region of the base. 
     
     
         17 . The contact lens package of  claim 11 , wherein the lid extends over the end of the base when the package is in the unopened state, and wherein the lid does not extend over the end of the base when the package is in an opened state. 
     
     
         18 . The contact lens package of  claim 11 , wherein the end of the base is open and configured to allow the contact lens to pass therethrough when the package is in an opened state. 
     
     
         19 . The contact lens package of  claim 11 , wherein the internal surface is a concave surface, and wherein the external surface is a convex surface. 
     
     
         20 . The contact lens package of  claim 11 , wherein the base is substantially rigid, and wherein the cover is flexible. 
     
     
         21 .- 30 . (canceled)